Specifications for visitor filters to be used in LRS

Gary J. Hill, April 2002

Several positions are available for custom/visitor filters to be used in LRS on a temporary basis. Filters can be used for imaging, or as blocking filters for spectroscopy. Spare filter holders are available, which will accommodate circular filters with the following characteristics:

The thickness can't be less than 5 mm or more than 10 mm. Thinner filters will not allow the instrument to focus, and thicker are not accommodated by the holders. If there is demand, we can create holders that will accept 4.0 inch diameter circular filters, but we will need 6-8 weeks notice.

In order to use a custom filter in LRS, it must be mounted in a spare position, and the focus offset for the filter must be determined. It should have a unique name, to identify it in the ICE software, which should have fewer than 8-9 characters (this limit is to save the RAs having to type a lot). Spaces are not allowed in the identifying name.

If custom filters are being ordered from a manufacturer, we recommend the following specifications in addition to the bandpass and size:

Specific questions can be directed to Gary Hill at: hill@astro.as.utexas.edu